Cover Kumar will be in action in Penang, KL and Johor for Kumarsutra Greatest Hits
Kumar will be in action in Penang, KL and Johor for Kumarsutra Greatest Hits
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We caught up with Kumar ahead of his world tour performance in Kuala Lumpur, to find out how he distinguishes between his stage persona, life as a performer and more.
Ask any local on the street who Kumarason Chinnadurai is and you might be met with some bemused faces, but just mention “Kumar”, especially to a Malaysian or Singaporean, and they would instantly tell you about the renowned comedian who performs in drag. The multi-talented performer has entertained generations as both a stage and silver screen actor (and even a voice actor in Mediacorp’s award-winning adult animated series Downstairs) TV host—in acclaimed The Ra Ra Show, and author among others. His brash humour and witty observations not only resonate but bring laughter to many locals.
In Tatler’s interview with him, he opens up about the misconceptions surrounding him, and why he wants it to be known that he is not the character he portrays on stage.
Read more: How comedian Arwind Kumar heals with humour
Kumar avoids social media which can be toxic at times
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We first talk about the difficulties surrounding him getting booked for public performances. “Being a crossdresser on stage is tough because some don’t seem to understand that it’s work—it's got nothing to do with lifestyle. I think people need to realise it’s a profession, it’s not a lifestyle, because I’m not transgender. I totally understand, but there should be some leeway [to me performing], because I’ve been doing it for so long,” admits Kumar, who has been performing for over 30 years.
His biggest regret is not making a named distinction for his character when he started in the industry. “I love my life and the way things have turned out, but if I could change one thing, I would have given my drag character a different name, which I didn’t. Imagine if I named her Letchumy or Meenachi, then people might have an easier time understanding that this is a role I’m playing—just like how Paul O’Grady was Lily Savage or Jo Kukathas plays YB,” he shares.
That’s the reason why Kumar gets out of his drag clothing as he walks off the stage after his performances. “It’s part of my subtle message to the audience when I remove the female clothing as I make my exit. You will never see me hanging out in drag attire after a show ever,” reveals the comedian who gets his dose of laughter from conversations with friends.
The many faces of Kumar:
Kumar advises comedians to first embrace themselves before delving into the craft
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Kumar also talks about the highs and lows of being a well-known performer, sharing that the best time is when you’re up on stage, but that his price to pay is the loneliness that comes with it. “Being famous leads to people not being genuine with their intentions around you, as well as jumping to conclusions about who you really are; so for me, loneliness is part of the job. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve about five to six real good friends who I can count on, and who will be there for me, but sometimes after the show you just go home alone and it can be disheartening. Thank God I’ve dogs who keep me very happy and fill my time with some routine,” says the fur-parent and foster parent to his friend’s younger brother.
Above Kumar finds joy in banter with friends
Above Stand-up comedian Kumar
Kumar finds joy in banter with friends
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When it comes down to crafting his jokes, Kumar shares that most of his inspiration is just from observing people and events around him. He also retorts when I ask for his response to people who think his jokes are rather crude. “Those people either need to grow up or haven’t been on social media enough. If they have, they would realise that my jokes are tame in comparison,” he proclaims, before adding that “I've toned down on my sex jokes, and I’ve evolved as a performer to become partly a newscaster as well—now I do politics, current affairs and such.”
Comedy is a craft, not a form of escapism.
He has definitely come a long way as a performer, even sharing that back in the early days he would need a bit of liquid courage to get past the stage fright and tune in to his drag persona, but after years of experience, he’s now able to channel the character after a mere ten seconds of silence. Kumar also shares sound advice with other comedians. “The most important thing is to first accept and be comfortable with yourself because you can’t just make fun of other people, you have to make fun of yourself too. Comedy is a craft, not a form of escapism. And you have to know your audience, and cater accordingly,” shares the renowned Southeast Asian comedian.
His upcoming comedy show Kumarsutra: Greatest Hits will see Kumar perform his classic spiels that have left fans in stitches one final time before retiring the material. Thanks to LOL Asia, he will be performing at Setia Spice Convention Centre, Penang on October 14 and 15, Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur on October 25 and 26 and Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House, Johor Bahru on October 28 and 29.
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Credits
Photography: Daniel Adams
Outfit: Syomirizwa Gupta
Make-Up: Nora Karim
Location: Ascott Kuala Lumpur
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If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.
Check out his Instagram @aaronlpereira.
